03/04/2026
What started off being a last minute decisio(Mon), turned into a very humbling and life-long, treasured experience and memory. I thank God for allowing me to partake in a last-minute travel to pay my respects to, not only a great man of God (Rev.), but a remarkable civil rights activist and a staple in our history. It was most definitely worth standing in a lengthy line for few hours to pay my respects to The Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr.! I remember growing up in Chicago and respecting Rainbow Push Coalition which was founded by Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., in the pursuit of social justice, civil rights, and political activism. It was truly an honor to be in the presence of greatness. I was also able to reconnect with A R Leak's, son and the Leak & Sons' staff which was Charles B.Taylor Funeral Home's (Chicago, IL) close colleague. Both Funeral Homes are still pillars of their community and they still work hard to serve the south side of Chicago and surrounding areas. It was a powerful and meaningful moment where descendants of 2 very important Funeral Home Legacies(from way back, up until now),...........were shaking hands (in the picture) and coming together for a great cause. By the way, I want to give A R Leak & Sons, amazing staff .....a round of applause FOR A JOB WELL DONE. They made Chicago look very good, with their professionalism and especially with that beautiful, newly acquired hearse (Rev. Jackson - THE FIRST to take his final ride in). I also have to give kudos to Leevy's Funeral Home that assisted(Leak) with the Columbia, SC portion of the service.
As the line to get into the STATE BUILDING moved slowly, someone called my name and as I turned around, I was faced with yet, another pleasant surprise. My Georgia Southern University schoolmate, "A P" (Omega Psi Phi), was with SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) maintaining order at the STATE BUILDING.
Furthermore, as I was trying to find my way back to the interstate highway (to travel back home), I, miraculously stumbled across the Brookland Baptist Church, where Rev. Jackson's family had arrived to have his Memorial Celebration. This was a surprise to me and truly a God-moment. I pulled in, I parked, and I was able to attend the service and acquire one of The Late Great Rev. Jackson's obituary. I also recorded a small excerpt of Jesse Jackson, Jr.'s heartfelt speech about his father. Finally, I was back in my car, I found the interstate highway, and I made it home safely.
This trip solidified my belief that God places individuals in the right place at the right time, rooted in divine orchestration.
And according to Ecclesiastes 3:11, God arranges circumstances for a specific purpose, providing favor and protection. This sovereign timing also ensures that we are exactly where we need to be for breakthroughs, blessings, and opportunities, even during, or after difficult trials.
So REMEMBER TO KEEP GOD FIRST, and everything else will fall in place.
Rest on Rev. Jackson......You fought the good fight, you finished the race! A JOB WELL DONE!
